Fishing Tips

How Should You Pass a Fishing Boat

by Jason Hill on Mar 06, 2025

When you're out on the water, understanding how to safely pass a fishing boat is a fundamental skill that keeps everyone safe and avoids unnecessary conflicts. Whether you're navigating a fishing boat on a calm lake, a winding river, or a bustling coastal waterway, knowing the right-of-way rules and proper signaling ensures a smooth and respectful boating experience. Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense, keeps you safe, and earns you some good boating karma.

How Should You Pass a Fishing Boat the Right Way

Assess the Situation

- Look for fishing lines, nets, or gear in the water.
- Observe the boat’s movement—some fishing vessels drift unpredictably.
- Consider wind, current, and other boats in the area.

Slow Down and Minimize Wake

- A large wake can disrupt fishing gear, damage smaller boats, or cause unnecessary frustration.
- Reduce speed to an idle when within 300 feet of a fishing vessel.

Choose the Best Side to Pass

- The preferred method is to pass on the port side whenever possible.
- If passing on the starboard side is necessary, communicate clearly using horn signals.
- Avoid crossing directly behind a fishing boat, as nets or lines may extend far beyond the vessel.

Give Ample Space

- Never pass too close—if you have any doubt, increase the distance.
- If the fishing boat is in a narrow channel, wait for a wider stretch before passing.

Now that you understand the steps to pass a fishing boat safely, let's discuss them in more detail.

How Should You Pass a Fishing Boat: Understanding the Differences

Passing a fishing boat might seem simple at first, but things get a little more complicated when it comes to fishing vessels. Fishing boats often have lines, nets, or other gear deployed in the water, making them less maneuverable. Because of this, they typically have the right of way. If you approach too closely or create excessive wake, you risk disturbing their catch or damaging their equipment. Your goal is to pass a fishing boat safely without interfering with their activities. Boating safety is crucial in these situations. Adhering to navigation rules ensures personal safety and promotes courteous behavior on the water.

Understanding the Concerns

When passing a fishing boat, it’s essential to understand the unique challenges and concerns involved. Fishing boats often have complex netting equipment and fishing lines that can extend hundreds of yards through the water. Accidentally hitting these lines or equipment can cause significant damage to both your boat and the fishing vessel, not to mention the potential for personal injury. Additionally, fishing boats may have limited maneuverability due to their gear, making it crucial to exercise extra caution when approaching them. Always be vigilant and give fishing boats a wide berth to avoid any mishaps.

Understanding Right of Way on the Water

Right-of-way rules on the water are there to prevent accidents and confusion. When two boats meet, one is designated the stand-on vessel (which maintains its course and speed), and the other is the give-way vessel (which must adjust to avoid collision). Here’s what that means for you:

Fishing boats with gear deployed: Always have the right of way. You should slow down, give them plenty of space, and only pass when it’s safe.
Powerboats vs. sailing vessels: If the sailing vessel is under sail alone, it typically has the right of way. If it’s using a motor, it follows standard powerboat rules.
Passing boat: When two sailboats approach each other, the passing boat must yield to the other vessel if both have the wind on the same side. Understanding navigation rules ensures safe passage, especially in tight channels and when avoiding conflicts with larger vessels.
Two power vessels meeting head-on: Both should veer right, just like driving a car.
Crossing paths: The boat on the right (starboard) has the right of way.

When in doubt, slow down, assess the situation, and communicate with the other vessel.

Environmental Factors to Consider

Environmental factors play a significant role in safely passing a fishing boat. Weather conditions, such as strong winds or rough seas, can greatly affect the stability and control of both boats. Additionally, water currents and tides can impact navigation, making it more challenging to maintain a safe distance. It’s essential to be aware of these environmental factors and adjust your approach accordingly. For instance, you might need to slow down even more in rough seas and give a wider berth to ensure safety. Always keep an eye on the weather and water conditions to make informed decisions when passing a fishing boat.

Signaling Your Intentions

On busy waterways, communication is key. Using sound signals prevents confusion and ensures a coordinated passing maneuver. Here’s how to properly signal your intentions:

Two short horn blasts: Indicates you intend to pass on the port (left) side.
One short horn blast: Indicates you intend to pass on the starboard (right) side.
Wait for acknowledgment: Before making your move, listen for the same signal back from the other boat.

This simple communication step avoids surprises and ensures both boats are on the same page. The 'stand-on boat' maintains its course and has the right of way, signaling its intentions to the give-way boat to prevent collisions.

Regulations and Key Terms

Understanding the regulations and key terms involved in passing a fishing boat is crucial for safe and respectful boating. The “give way” vessel must yield and signal its intentions, while the “stand-on” vessel maintains its course and speed. These terms are essential for clear communication and avoiding collisions. The US Coast Guard has established protocols for safely passing fishing boats in the United States. The hierarchy of watercraft determines their right-of-way, with fishing boats having a higher priority compared to powered vessels. The hierarchy, from highest to lowest priority, is:

Sailboats
Powerboats
Fishing boats
Tugboats or speedboats

When passing a fishing boat, passing on the port (left) side is recommended. Give two short blasts of your horn (about one second each) to signal your intention. If passing on the starboard (right) side is necessary, give a single short blast. Always wait for the other boat’s reply; a matching horn blast means you’re clear to pass. Slow down to a speed that eliminates your wake to avoid disturbing the fishing boat’s lines, nets, or fish. Pass anchored or stalled fishing vessels at a distance of at least 100 yards (91 meters) to avoid tangles. Remember, fishing vessels with lines or nets extending away from the boat have limited maneuverability and should be given extra space, and the fishing boats will greatly appreciate this courtesy. When passing a fishing vessel, the vessel being passed has the right of way and must be accommodated. When two boats have intersecting courses, the boat on the starboard (right) has the right-of-way. When two vessels are moving directly toward each other, they should pass each other on their port sides. In situations with low visibility or inexperienced skippers, take action as early as possible to avoid a collision. Always prioritize safety and clear communication to ensure a smooth and respectful passing maneuver.

Navigating in Congested or Narrow Waters

Passing safely becomes even trickier in crowded areas or tight waterways. Here’s how to handle it:

Stick to the right: Just like road traffic, keeping right ensures smooth navigation.
Pass at a right angle when crossing a channel: This minimizes time spent in the path of larger vessels.
Be patient: If the conditions aren’t right, wait until you have a clear opportunity to pass without causing disruption.

Respecting Fishing Boats and Their Operations

Being a courteous boater isn’t just about following rules—it’s about showing respect for others who share the water. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Avoid cutting across fishing lines: If you see floats, buoys, or poles, give them a wide berth.
Don’t create unnecessary noise: Blasting music or revving your engine near a fishing boat can ruin their experience.
Follow common courtesy: Slow down near other boaters, properly dispose of trash, and be aware of your surroundings.

Final Thoughts on How Should You Pass A Fishing Boat

Knowing how to pass a fishing boat safely is essential to responsible boating. Understanding right-of-way rules, using proper signaling, and maintaining a respectful distance will ensure everyone a safer and more enjoyable time on the water. Next time you approach a fishing boat, take a moment to assess, communicate, and pass smoothly—your fellow boaters (and the fish) will appreciate it. Frequently Asked Questions What’s the safest way to pass another boat? Adjust your speed, keep a safe distance, and pass on the port side when possible. Use horn signals to communicate and always wait for acknowledgment before proceeding. Do fishing boats always have the right of way? Yes, when they have gear deployed, a fishing boat is less maneuverable and has the right of way. Always yield and give them extra space. How can I reduce my wake when passing? Slow down well in advance, shift in and out of gear if necessary, and keep your motor in a vertical position at no-wake speed. What should I do if I’m unsure about passing? If you’re uncertain, slow down and communicate with the other boat. It’s always better to wait or adjust your course than to rush into a risky situation. By following these best practices, you’ll navigate confidently and respectfully, making the waterways safer for everyone. Safe boating and tight lines!

Tags: Category_Fishing Tips